KNVB in cassation against the Court of Appeal’s decision to suspend Vitesse’s license withdrawal

The Court of Appeal decided to suspend the revocation of the professional license pending the outcome of the substantive proceedings, allowing Vitesse to still participate in the competition.

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In a press release, the football association indicates “that it will appeal in cassation in the interests of professional football as a whole.” The aim is to gain clarity about how the judge may review decisions of KNVB bodies (in this case licensing committee and licensing appeals committee). The association also wants clarity about various considerations of the court that affect the operation of the professional football licensing system.

Marianne van Leeuwen

Marianne van Leeuwen, director of professional football KNVB, explains why the KNVB has come to this decision. “We have confidence in the licensing system. This trust was previously confirmed by the court, but the court subsequently ruled differently on appeal. Now, supported by legal advice, we choose to take the matter to the highest court. In the meantime, we are working well with Vitesse: all matches are scheduled and the club receives the same treatment as all other clubs.”

The professional football competitions are organized under the responsibility of the three-member competition board. The two other members of this board support the decision to appeal.

Jan de Jong, director of Eredivisie CV, agrees with the decision: “Professional football benefits from a strong and independent licensing committee and appeals committee. They test against the rules that clubs have agreed upon jointly and themselves. These institutions must be protected because of their important function: professional supervision. Hence cassation.”

Vitesse will finish the season anyway

Marc Boele, director of the First Division Cooperative, also indicates that Vitesse will finish the season anyway. “For the continuity of the competition, the primary objective of the licensing system, it is important for the Kitchen Champion Division that this season is completed with 20 clubs. We can also assume that, since the ruling in the cassation procedure is not expected before the end of the season.”

Vitesse has just been informed about the KNVB’s decision to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the turbo speed appeal. In that ruling, the Court of Appeal decided to suspend the revocation of Vitesse’s professional license.

Disappointment at Vitesse

Vitesse indicates that it is disappointed and unpleasantly surprised by the decision. The KNVB has indicated that it will appeal in cassation due to the broader interests of professional football.

Ben Mansvelder, interim general manager of Vitesse, responds: “This choice by the KNVB unfortunately has a direct impact on Vitesse. We have been on the right track as a club in recent months and we believe we are in constructive consultation with the KNVB. This cassation appeal certainly affects us, but we will not be discouraged and will continue to work on the future of Vitesse.”